Burial casket

ABSTRACT

A burial casket of modular construction includes a sturdy central band member carrying mechanisms such as handles, latching or draw down devices, and other mechanisms. The band member is sandwiched between the concave sides of a pair of similar concavo-convex shell members. The three elements may be shipped and stored individually and different band and shell styles can be united in various combinations. Upon final assembly the band and lower shell member serve as the casket base, the upper shell member serves as the lid, and the band renders the casket rigid and strong. Retractable handle assemblies are mounted on recessed outer side walls of the band member, and are capable of moving between retracted and extended positions wherein the orientation of the handle relative to the casket is unchanged in vertical and longitudinal directions.

ilnite Andrus, .1 r. et a1.

[ Dec. 9, 1975 BURIAL CASKET Inventors: Edward R. Andrus, J12, Mount Prospect; Dale E. Fahnstrom, Riverside; James G. Hansen, La Grange; Charles E. Nichols, Chicago, all of 111.

Elder Wilbert Corporation, Broadview, 111.

Filed: Sept. 14, 1972 Appl. No.: 289,175

Published under the Trial Voluntary Protest Program on January 28, 1975 as document no. B 289,175.

Assignee:

US. Cl 27/2; 190/49 Int. Cl. A616 17/00 Field of Search 27/120, DIG. 1, 27/35, 27; 16/112; 217/12, 13, 45,17, 56; 220/24, 29, 4 A, 4 D, 4 C, 4 R; 128/298, 30 190/49, DIG. 1; 206/503, 505, 507, 508

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Gehrie 190/49 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerHenry J. Recla Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mason, Kolehmainen, Rathburn & Wyss [57] ABSTCT A burial casket of modular construction includes a sturdy central band member carrying mechanisms such as handles, latching or draw down devices, and other mechanisms. The band member is sandwiched between the concave sides of a pair of similar concavo-convex shell members. The three elements may be shipped and stored individually and different band and shell styles can be united in various combinations. Upon final assembly the band and lower shell member serve as the casket base, the upper shell member serves as the lid, and the band renders the casket rigid and strong. Retractable handle assemblies are mounted on recessed outer side walls of the band member, and are capable of moving between retracted and extended positions wherein the orientation of the handle relative to the casket is unchanged in vertical and longitudinal directions.

14 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures Germany 27/5 US. Patent Dec.91975 Sheet 10f3 3,924,39

FIG17 US. Patent Dec. 9 1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,924,309

'I'Iu...

BURIAL CASKET The present invention relates to impovements in the structure of burial caskets, and to an improved casket handle assembly. I

Caskets made in the past typically include a base formed as a complete unit together with a lid hinged to the base, the lid including a single element for a full couch casket and including separate foot and head portions for a half couch casket. Since the lid and base are designed as a unit and coordinated with one another, normally the structure of the casket is completely or substantially completely manufactured at one facility and is shipped in completed or substantially completed form. The completed casket occupies a large space, and as a result shipping and storage costs are high.

Because it is desirable to maintain the capability of promptly delivering any one of many types and styles of casket from scattered points of distribution, a large inventory of conventional caskets is required. In the past attempts have been made to alleviate this problem by carrying out some finishing operations, such as the attachment'of handles or other mechanisms, trim and the like at the point of distribution. However, this has the drawback of requiring relatively skilled workmanship at widely scattered locations.

Most casket handles are of the fixed type. However, in order to maximize casket size while maintaining overall outside dimensions within customary maximum limits, it has been proposed to provide swing-out handles movable from a hanging position against a side of the casket to an extended carrying position. One difficulty with the swing-out handle arrangement is that the vertical position of the handle relative to the casket is different in its two positions, and this is undesirable in many instances.

Important objects of the present invention are to provide a casket overcoming the above and other disadvandtages of conventional caskets; to provide a casket making possible cost savings in manufacture, shipping and storage; to provide an improved burial casket of modular construction enabling the assembly of a wide variety of casket forms and styles from a small number of standardized components; to provide a casket structure having components which can be manufactured and shipped in compact, knocked-down form and easily assembled by relatively unskilled workers for delivery; to provide a casket wherein all of the mechanisms required are preassembled with a single sturdy component to facilitate assembly and reduce the possibility of shipping damage; and to provide a casket which lends itself to fabrication from many different materials, such as wood, plastics and metal.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a retractable handle assembly wherein the handle is maintained in the same vertical and longitudinal position relative to the'casket in both its extended and retracted positions; and to provide a handle assembly of sturdy construction having a minimum of parts and having provision for detaining the handle in its two positions and for assisting movement of the handle to its extended position.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention there is provided a burial casket including a central band sand- .wiched between the concave sides of two similar concavo-convex shell members. These discrete components can be shipped and stored prior to final assembly 2 in a compact manner. The central band is of substantial strength, and upon assembly serves to impart strength and rigidity to the casket. All mechanisms, such as handles, hinges, latches and others, are incorporated into the central band so that final assembly is simple and furthermore so that damage to these components during shipment and handling'is avoided. The band may be assembled with various types of shell members, and a few variations of colors, finishes, materials and the like may be combined in different ways to achieve a wide variety of casket types from a small, compact inventory of components.

In accordance with another feature of the invention there is provided a new and improved casket handle assembly. Handles are mounted upon recessed outer surfaces of the band. Brackets mounted on the outer casket surface and inner handle surface are interconnected by sturdy pivot links permitting the handle to move in a horizontal plane through a circular segment path between retracted and extended positions. An arrangement of slots and tabs prevents movement of the handle past the full exttended position, and an unobtru sive latching device frictionally detains the handle in its retracted position, resiliently urges the handle outwardly to its extended position after the frictional detention is overcome, and releasably secures the handle in its extended position.

The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages thereof may be best understood from consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a burial casket constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a burial casket comprising one alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the burial casket of FIG. 1; 1

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the burial casket of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of the burial casket of FIG. 1 illustrating the casket lock;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view 'of the lock illustrated in FIG. 5 taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing part of a burial casket comprising another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of the burial casket of FIG. 7 illustrating the lid draw down mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the draw down mechanism of FIG. 8 taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the burial casket of FIG. 7 illustrating the hinge structure;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the air vent structure of the casket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the memorial capsule structure of the burial casket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the lid seal of the burial casket of FIG. 7 in a 3 FIG. is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the handle in the retracted position;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 16-16 ofFIG. l5; FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a disas-v sembled corner of the band portion of a burial casket constructed in accordance with the invention and illustrating'an alternative band construction; and

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line 18-48 of FIG. 17 and illustrating the band comer.

ence numeral 20. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the casket 20 is of modular construction and includes a central band member generally designated as 22 and a pair of similar concavo-convex lower and upper shell members 24 and 26. In assembled relation, the lower shell member 24 is fixed to the lower edge of the central band member 22 and cooperates with the band member 22 to form the base portion of the casket 20. The upper shell member 26 is hinged to the upper edge of the central band member 22 and serves as the lid portion of the casket 20.

Many important advantages flow from the modular, three component structure of the casket 20. This arrangement permits the band 22 and shells 24 and 26 to be each completely manufactured and shipped individually from the point of manufacture to points of distri-, bution. A large number of shell members 24 and 26 of similar shape can be nested together and shipped separately from band members 22 in a small and extremely compact space. In addition, the space required for storing these components prior to final assembly of the shell members 24 and 26 to the band 22 is small. As a result cost savings are effected in shipping, handling and storage.

Preferably theband member 22 is sturdy in construc- I tion and after final assembly provides rigidity and strength for the casket 20. As a result the upper and lower shell members 24 and 26 need not be as strong as might otherwise be necessary.

Aother important advantage of the casket structure of the present invention is that the central band member 22 can be combined not only with the shell members 24 and 26 illustrated in the drawings,but also with shell members having a wide variety of different shapes. Reference may be had to design applications Ser. Nos. 236,536; 236,537 and 236,538, all filed on Mar. 20, 1972, for examples of a few of many possible shell member shapes which can be used in connection with the burial casket of the present invention. Moreover, it is possible to provide shells and bands of different colors, materials and finishes, and these compo-.

nents can be united in a variety of ways to achieve many combinations of casket styles and types. As a result, it is possible to maintain a capability of supplying a full line of burial caskets with a relatively small invenl: accordance with another feature of the present invention, the central band member 22 includes the various mechanisms and ancillary structures with which the casket 20 is to be equipped. Included in this category,-

as described in greater detail hereinafter, are devices such as handles, latches,.draw down mechanisms,

hinges, air vents and memorial capsules. Since these mechanisms may all be manufactured and installed at the time of initial manufacture of the band member 22, possiblity of damage in shipment and handling is greatly reduced due to the protection afforded by the strength of the band member. Moreover, final assembly of the casket 20 is greatly simplified since such mechanisms are preassembled, and may be carried out by relatively unskilled individuals.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention there is provided a novel retractable handle mechanism generally designated by the reference numeral 28. The handle mechanism 28, described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14-16, although suitable for use with caskets of many different types has particular utility when mounted in a recessed side wall such as is the case with the casket 20.

Proceeding now to a more detailed description of the structure of the burial casket of the present invention, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the upper and lower shell members 26 and 24 are formed of wood. Since the two shell members are similar in shape to one another, they may be interchangeable with one another throughout the initial stages of manufacture of the burial casket 20. Although as indicated above, various shapes and types of shell members may be utilized, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention each shell member is a six-sided concavoconvex structure having a flat central wall 30 surrounded by a pair of inclined side walls 32 and a pair of similarly inclined end walls 34. At the peripheral portions of the walls 32 and 34 there is formed a lip or edge surface 36 bounding the periphery of the shell member 24 or 26. and lying in a flat plane parallel with the central wall 30.

In order to provide strength and rigidity to the burial casket 20, the central band member 22 is preferably formed of a strong material such as sheet metal or the like. The band member is in the shape of the periphery of the burial casket 20, and is substantially of uniform cross section throughout the length of its sides. As best appears in FIG. 4, in cross section the central band member 22 includes parallel upper and lower edge walls 38 and 40 similar in shape to and adapted to overlie the lip surfaces 36 of the shell members 24 and 26. The edge walls 38 and 40 may be bounded. at the inside of the band member by lips 42 (FIG. 4) in order to strengthen the central band member, to provide a smooth and neat edge, and to provide a structural element for supporting components of the casket such as, for example, interior upholstery components or the like. The outer ends of the edge walls are joined by a sidewall including a centrally located recessed side wall portion 44 and a pair of inclined outwardly angled side wall portions 46.

In order to reinforce the central band member 22 and to provide a means for mounting various mechanisms to the central band member 22, the interior side of the band member carries a cover plate 48 abutting the inner surface of the vertical wall 44 and extending upwardly to the lower surface of the upper edge wall 38. Although illustrated as extending around the full length of the band member 22, the cover plate 48 may, if desired, be located only at points of stress, such as opposite the handle mechanisms 28.

After completion of the manufacture of the three modular components of the burial casket 20 the central band member 22, and the shell members 24 and 24 the final assembly can be readily completed by simple operations requiring little skill. In order to attach the band member 22 to the lower shell member 24, the band member 22 is placed on the lower shell member 24 with the lower edge wall of the band member 22 overlying the lip surface 36 of the shell member 24. If desired for purposes of rigidity and to assure a snug fit, a gasket member (FIG. 4) may be interposed between surfaces 36 and 40. Since the burial casket 20 is not of the sealed variety, the gasket 50 is not essential. The band 22 is attached to the shell member 24 by any suitable fastening device, and as illustrated in FIG. 4 screw fasteners 52 may be used.

In order to hinge the upper shell member 26 to the central band mamber 22, hinges 54 (FIGS 3 and 4) of any desired type are mounted at one side of the casket 20 between interfacing surfaces 36 of the shell member 26 and 38 of the band member 22. A closure pad 56 is provided between these interfacing surfaces in order to achieve a snug fit and to eliminate jarring or noisy closing characteristics. Since the burial casket 20 is not adapted to be sealed, the closure pad 56 need not be air tight.

To make final assembly of the burial casket 20 possible with simple operations and to reduce the possibility of damage to the various mechanisms of the casket, in accordance with a feature of the invention such mechanisms are preferably incorporated into the central band member 22. Having reference now more particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, one such mechanism comprises a lock mechanism generally designated by the reference numeral 58. The lock mechanism 58 is mounted in the band member 2.2, preferably along the side thereof opposite hinges 54, and serves to secure the lid formed by the upper shell member 26 in closed position.

More specifically, the lock mechanism 58 includes a generally cup-shaped lock housing 60 disposed in an opening in the inclined side wall portion 46 and abutting the inner surface of the cover plate 48.. A conventional tumbler lock device 641 is inserted into the lock housing 60 and through aligned openings in the housing 60 and cover plate 48, where it is held in position'by means of a threaded fastener 68. Insertion and turning of a key moves a latch arm 72 into and out of engagement with a latch pin 74 held in a pin housing 76 recessed into the lip 42 of the upper shell member 26. The two alternate positions of the latch arm '72 are shown in broken lines in F IG. 5.

The burial casket 20 illustrated in H65. 1 and 3-6 is of the type known as a full couch casket and the lid portion formed by the upper shell member 26 is a single unitary element. Having reference now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the burial casket of the present invention can readily be adapted to a half couch configuration. In FIG. 2 there is illustrated a burial casket generally designated by the reference'nurneral 80 comprising an alternative embodiment of the invention. In most respects, the burial casket 80 is identical to the burial casket 20 and similar reference numerals are used in con nection with the two caskets in order to designate identical elements.

The burial casket 80 differs from the burial casket 20 in that it includes an upper shell member 82 subdivided into two segments (34 and as. Segment 84 comprises the foot portion and segment 5% comprises the head portion of the half couch casket. At the junction between the segments there is provided an overlap seam including abutting shoulders 88 and 90 permitting the 6 head portion 86 to be opened while the foot portion 84 remains closed.

Features of the present invention are applicable to burial caskets of many different types, shapes and materials. With reference now to FIGS. 7-13, there are illustrated various portions of a burial casket designated generally by the reference number and comprising yet another embodiment of the invention. As is the case with the caskets 20 and 80, the burial casket 100 is made up of three modular components including a central band member 102 sandwiched between lower and upper shell members 104 and 106. In general, the burial casket 100 differs from the burial casket 20 in that it is adapted to be sealed in an air tight condition when fully closed and in that the shell members 104 and 106 are formed of sheet metal rather than wood. Since the burial casket 100 is similar to the burial casket 20 in many respects, similar reference numerals are employed to designate identical structural elements, which identical elements are not again described in detail.

Although not illustrated in full, the lower and upper shell members 104 and 106 may, if desired, be similar in shape to the shell members of the burial caskets 20 and 80. Since the shell members are formed of sheet metal rather than wood, the wall portions thereof may be considerably thinner, and the structure of the shell members in the region of the lip or edge surfaces 36 appears in FIG. '7 where it can be seen that the lip surfaces are formed by sheet metal wall portions bounded on one side by the side walls 32 (or end walls 34 as the case may be) and by a lip portion 108 serving not only to strengthen the shell members but also to prevent the presence of a sharp edge adjacent the lip surfaces. The lower edge wall 40 of the central band member 102 is attached to the edge surface 36 of the lower shell memher 104 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 110 or any other suitable fastener. The gasket 50 sandwiched between these two surfaces serves to provide an air tight seal between the band member 102 and the lower shell member 104.

in view of the fact that the burial casket 100 is adapted to be sealed upon full closure, there is provided an upper gasket 112 disposed between the upper edge wall 38 of the central band member 102 and the edge surface 36 of the upper shell member 106 as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Moreover, there are provided hinges generally designated as 114 and best illustrated in FIG. 10 serving to hinge the upper shell member R06 to the central band member 102 while maintaining the sealed condition. in addition, there is provided a draw down latch assembly generally designated as 116 and illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 for not only latching the lid formed by the upper shell member 106 in its closed position, but also for drawing the upper shell member 106 down tightly against the upper gasket 112.

Referring more specifically now to the upper gasket 112, as can be seen in FIG. 9 the gasket overlies a portion of the edge wall 38 of the band member 102 and includes a shoulder 118 overlying the lip 42 in order to present a smooth corner surface. The upper surface of the gasket 1112 is provided with a relatively rigid rib 120 serving to limit the amount of compression of the gasket, and a deformable rib 122 initially having a generally triangular shape enclosing a cavity 124. Upon compression of the gasket as shown in full lines in FIG. 10 and in broken lines in FIG. 9, the rib 122 is collapsed to provide a tight seal between the abutting wall 38 and surface 36.

In order to compress the gasket 112 and fully seal the casket, when the upper shell 106 comprising the lid of burial casket 101) is closed the lid is tightly drawn down against the band 102. For this purpose, there is provided the draw down latch assembly 116 best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. This assembly is mounted in a draw down latch housing 126 which may, if desired, be interchangeable with the lock housing 60 used in connection with the burial casket and illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The draw down latch mechanism is conventional in design and includes a latch arm 128 coupled to an operating mechanism 130 controlling the rotation and puling action of the latch arm 128. When it is desired to close the upper shell 106, a latch key 132 is inserted into a keyway 134 and rotated. As a result, the latch arm 128 rotates into engagement with a latch pin 136 held in a bracket 138 in the surface 36. Upon contact, the latch arm is drawn downwardly by further rotation of the latch key 132 in order tightly to compress the gasket 112 into sealing relation between the central band member 102 and the upper shell 106.

In order to assure sealing of the casket, it is desirable to prevent the leakage of air in the region of the hinges 114. Thus, there is provided a hinge structure designed to provide a seal adjacent the openings required for fastening of hinge leaves 140 of hinges 114. Hinges 114 are of the half-leaf type having laterally spaced raher than abutting leaves, and a sectional view through one of the similar hinge leaves appears in FIG. 10. Each leaf includes a recess 142 within which is received a sealing washer 144. Bolt and nut fasteners 146 are used to attach the leaves to the lip surface 36 of the upper shell member 106 and to the surface 38 of the band member 102. Upon tightening of fastener 146, the sealing washer 144 is compressed into sealing engagement around the fastener receiving holes in the leaf 140 and wall 38 thereby to prevent the passage of air.

It is desirable in connection with a sealed burial casket such as the casket 100 to provide a releasable air vent in order to prevent excessive pressure differentials as may occur during air transport of the casket or the like. With reference now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an air vent generally designated by the reference numeral 150 mounted at a suitable location, preferably at an accessible region along the wall 44 of the central band member 102. Vent 150 includes a cup or cartridge-shaped body 152 having external threads and including a head 154 abutting the outside surface of the wall 44 upon insertion of the body 152 into an opening 156 in the wall 44. The body 152 is held in place by a nut 158, and a sealing washer 160 is included to prevent leakage through the opening 156. An externally threaded screw part 162 received within the body 152 includes a tapered end engageable with the edge of an opening 164 in the body 152 to form a valve for closing the air vent. When the air vent is opened by slightly extracting the member 162, air is permitted to flow through the body 152 by way of a slot 166 carried by the member 162.

In some instances it is desirable to provide a burial casket such as the burial casket 100 with a container or capsule for containing a memorial such as, for example, a document setting forth records relating to interment. Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a capsule generally designated by the reference numeral 170 mounted at a suitable location, such as an accessible region along the wall 44. The capsule includes an elongated cartridge-shaped body 172 having external threads and having a head 174 engaging the wall 44 upon tightening of a nut 176 against a sealing washer 178. A cap 180 is provided to close a cavity 182 within the body 172, and an additional sealing washer 184 assures sealing of the cavity 182.

As is the case with the burial casket 80 and the burial casket 20, the burial casket 100 may, if desired, be either of the full couch or the half couch type. Illustrated in FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the seam portion of the half couch version wherein the upper shell comprises a head portion 106A and a foot portion 1068. The seam edges are formed as U-shaped shoulders or reentrant portions 186 in order to prevent the existence of a sharp edge, and a stop plate 188 is joined to the foot portion 1068. A sealing gasket is provided between the plate 188 and the portion 186 of the head portion 186A of the lid in order to seal the seam upon closure of both the head and foot portions. In the half couch arrangement, a draw down latch mechanism is provided for each portion of the upper shell member, and when the latch mechanism of the head portion 106A is fully tightened, the gasket 191 is compressed to the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 13.

An important feature of the present invention relates to the structure of the handle machanism 28 illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1416. With regard to the burial caskets illustrated herein as embodiments of the present invention, there are provided four handle mechanisms 28, one located on each side and each end of the burial caskets. The mechanisms 28 are supported as appears in FIGS. 1-4 in centered locations along the recessed vertical side wall portions 44 of the central band merrber 22 or 102.

Each handle mechanism 28 includes a handle having a size and shape to which the hand readily conforms, and includes a strong inner handle piece 192 preferably formed of heavy gauge metal or other sturdy material. The inner piece 192 is covered by a decorative sleeve 194 fitting snugly around the inner piece 192. The sleeve 194 may be formed of metal or other desired material such as plastic or the like, and may be finished in any desired manner in order to coordinate with the design of the burial casket with which the handle machanism 28 is to be associated. The decorative sleeve is slid over the inner piece 192 in a longitudinal direction from one end thereof, and cap members 196 (FIG. 14) are provided at each end to close the ends of the sleeve 194. In order to prevent movement of the sleeve relative to the inner piece 192 after installation, a suitable stop means is provided, and in the illustrated arrangement the stop is provided by a tab 198 (FIG. 16) along the edge of the sleeve 194 bent into a slot 200 along the edge of the inner piece 192.

As indicated above, an important advantage of the present invention is that a relatively small number of component parts can be maintained in inventory and combined in a variety of ways to make possible the assembly of burial caskets of many different styles. The handle mechanism 28 including the decorative sleeve 194 enhances this capability because decorative sleeves 194 of different styles may be used with a standard handle mechanism 28 in order to provide a variety of handle appearances coordinated with a variety of burial casket types and styles.

As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 14 and 15, the handle 190 is movable between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the handle lies close against the recessed wall 44 of the cental band member, and when used with the burial casket of the present invention does not extend beyond the outer periphery of the burial casket. In the extended position the handle 190 is spaced well outwardly from the wall 44 in position to be easily grasped without interference of the hand with the inclined side wall portions 46 of the central band member.

In order to readily accomplish the retraction and extension of the handle 190 there is provided in accordance with the invention a novel handle positioning assembly designated as a whole by the reference numeral 202. At least two of the handle positioning assemblies 202 are provided in connection with each handle to permit and control the movement thereof between the retracted and extended positions. An important advantage of the assembly 202 is that in each handle position in the orientation of the handle 190 in a vertical direction and in a longitudinal direction relative to the burial casket wall is the same.

More specifically, the handle positioning assembly includes a pair of identical pivot brackets 204, one mounted beneath the handle 190 to the recessed wall 44 by means of fasteners 206, and the other mounted to the inner surface of the inner piece 192 by means of fasteners 208. Preferably at least the fasteners 208 are of the recessed head type in order that they do not interfere with the mounting and positioning of the sleeve 194 on the inner piece 192. As shown in FIG. 16, the pivot brackets 204 are preferably U-shaped in cross section throughout their lengths so that the appearance of that segment of the handle positioning assembly 202 visible behind the handle 190 in either position is relatively clean and uncluttered.

Each bracket 204 carries a pivot pin 210 spanning the opposed legs of the bracket. Extending between and pivotally mounted upon the two pivot pins 210 is a generally S-shaped pivot link 212. In the retracted handle position illustrated in FIG. 15, the link 212 lies generally along a line parallel to the side or end wall 44 of the burial casket, and in the extended position illustrated in FIG. 14, the link lies generally along a line normal to the wall 44.

In accordance with the invention, the handle orientation is the same vertically and longitudinally relative to wall 44 in both handle positions. In the retracted position (FIG. the pin 210 mounted on handle 190 is closer to the wall 44 than the pin 210 mounted on the side wall. As the handle 190 is moved between positions, the handle, as well as the pin 210 and bracket 204 mounted thereon, move through a part of a circular path. In the extended position, the pin 210 mounted on the handle 190 is farther from the wall 44 than the pin 210 mounted on the wall 44. A line passing through the pins 210 in FIG. 15 deviates by an angle of less than 90 from the plane of the wall 44. When the handle 190 is moved to its extended position as shown in FIG. 14, this line deviates by the same angle in the opposite sense from the wall 44. Thus, the position of the handle in a longitudinal direction along the side or end of the burial casket is unchanged in the two positions of the handle. Since the handle extends and retracts in a horizontal plane, the vertical position of the handle also is unchanged.

The generally S-shaped pivot link 212 includes a pair of arcuate surfaces 214 lying in a plane generally equidistant from the corresponding pivot pin 210, this ra- 10 dial distance being slightly less than the distance between the pivot pin 210 and the bight portion of the corresponding pivot bracket 204. Thus, as the handle is moved between positions, the arcuate surface 214 moves closely over the base of the pivot bracket 204.

In order to limit movement of the handle to the desired range, each arcuate surface 214 includes a groove 216 defining at each end of the groove a stop shoulder 218. The edge of each bracket 204 is provided with an upwardly bent stop tab 220 extending into the groove 216, and at each of the two extreme retracted and extended handle positions, the tab 220 engages a stop shoulder 218 to limit movement of the handle. In the illustrated arrangement the movement of the handle 190 toward the wall 44 may be limited if desired by the height of the brackets 204 rather than by the tabs 220.

The general symmetry of the components of the handle positioning assembly 202 is apparent. The two pivot brackets 204 are identical to one another, and moreover the pivot link 212 is of identical construction at each end. Thus, assembly of the handle positioning assembly 202 is facilitated since no differentiation need be made between the brackets 204, and the pivot link 212 may be installed in either of its two possible positions. The pivot link 212 is preferably formed as a solid, chunky piece having a uniform width only slightly less than the distance between the leg portions of the bracket 204. Thus, the link 212 provides substantial strength and also provides a sturdy and uncluttered appearance when visible behind the handle 190 in the extended handle position. In the retracted position as can be seen in FIG. 15, the pivot link 212 is entirely hidden from view. Due to the dish or cup-shaped cross section of the handle 190, much of the handle positioning assembly 202 is mounted within the handle and is further obscured from view, providing the burial casket upon which the handle mechanism 28 is mounted with a neat appearance.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a latching device generally designated by the reference numeral 222 serving to assist the movement of the handle 190 to its extended position and to retain the handle in both its extended and retracted positions. More specifically, the pivot bracket 204 attached to the wall 44 carries a pivot pin 224 upon which is pivotally mounted a trigger 226. Preferably the trigger 226 is U-shaped in cross section and includes an elongated flat bight portion 228 spaced from and parallel to the pivot pin 224. A spring 230 mounted on the pivot pin 224 includes legs engaging the bight portion 228 and the bracket 204 in order to urge the trigger 226 in a counterclockwise rotational direction as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The latching device 222 serves to frictionally detain the handle in the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 1.5. More specifically, as the handle is moved to this position, the trigger device is forced in a clockwise direction against the force of the spring 230, and an end designated by the reference numeral 232 of the bight portion 228 of the trigger 226 engages the inner side of the inner piece 192. Because the point of engagement is overcenter relative to the position of the pivot pin 224, the force of the spring 230 is applied against the handle 190 in a direction at least in part in opposition to the direction in which the handle 190 is permitted to move by the pivot link 212. Thus the handle 190 cannot be moved outwardly from the wall 44 until it is grasped 1 l and pulled sufficiently to overcome the frictional detaining force.

During outward movement of the handle 190, once the frictional detaining force is overcome, the outer end of the trigger 226 designated by the reference numeral 234 engages the inner surface of the inner piece 192. At this point, the spring 2330 applies an outwardly directed force to the handle 190 assisting its movement to the extended position.

When the handle 19f) reaches its fully extended position, the outer end 234 of the trigger is wedged against the handle 190. This position is illustrated in FIG. 14 and it can be seen that the trigger 226 in this position serves as a wedge or snub preventing inward movement of the handle 190. In order to move the handle 190 inwardly from this position, it is necessary to reach behind the handle 190 and manually move the trigger 226 against the force of the spring 230 and rotate the end 234 of the trigger away from the region beneath the handle.

As indicated above, two or more handle positioning assemblies 202 are associated with each handle 190. If desired a latching device 222 may be associated with only one assembly 202 of each handle.

Shipping and storage of the above described burial caskets 20, 80 and MN) constructed in accordance with the present invention is facilitated due to the modular construction thereof. The central band portion of these burial caskets is a single discrete unit. If desired, and as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the central band portion may be constructed in such a way that it need not be fully assembled prior to shipment and storage. With reference more specifically to these figures, there is illustrated a corner structure for a central band member constructed in accordance with the invention permitting the central band member to be shipped and stored in disassembled or knocked-down condition and readily to be assembled in a simple manner by a relatively unskilled worker.

In order to accomplish this end, the side portions and end portions of the central band member are separable at the corners, and the corners are provided with mating, mitered surfaces 236 so that a smooth continuous appearance is provided after assembly. Spaced slightly inwardly from each mitered surface 236 is a mounting plate 238 securely bonded to the inner surfaces of the walls of the central band member. Plates 238 are provided with aligned mounting holes 240 within which are adapted to be received the shank portions of bolts 242. A gasket having a relaxed thickness slightly greater than the spacing between plates 238 is received between the plates and includes holes aligned with the holes 240 in the plates 238. In order to assemble a corner as shown in FIG. 18, the mitered surfaces 236 are placed together with the plates 238 sandwiched around the gasket 244. The bolts 242 are passed through the holes 240 and a nut 246 is tightened onto the bolt in order to complete a sturdy, sealed, corner assembly.

Although the invention has been described with reference to details of the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications and alternative embodiments may appear to those skilled in the art. The invention is not limited to the details of the illustrated embodiments, but rather is defined by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A burial casket having a generally rectangular horizontal periphery, said casket comprising a centrally open band member in the shape of the horizontal periphery of the casket, a concavo-convex lower shell member discrete from said band member, means for fastening said lower shell member to the lower edge of said band member, a concave-convex upper shell member discrete from said band member, and hinge means connecting said upper shell member to the upper edge of said band member, said upper and lower shell members being sugstantially identical in shape, said band member having a substantially uniform cross section throughout its length, said band member cross section having a substantial vertical dimension less than half the vertical dimension of the casket and having a horizontal dimension substantially smaller than the vertical dimension of the band member cross section, and the upper and lower edges of the band member comprising fiat, parallel uniplanar edge surfaces, and said upper and lower shell members having similar flat, uniplanar rim surfaces complementary in shape to said upper and lower edges.

2. The burial casket of claim 1, said means for fastening comprising fasteners extending through the lower edge of the band member into the rim surface of said lower shell member.

3. The burial casket of claim 1, said hinge means comprising hinges located along one longer side of the rectangular band member between the rim surface of the upper shell member and the upper edge surface of the band member.

4. A butial casket comprising in combination a pair of concavo-convex shell members having generally rectangular flat planar rim surfaces, a generally rectangular band member of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length having flat, planar upper and lower edge surfaces similar in shape to said rim surfaces, fasteners interconnecting said lower edge surface to said rim surface of a first said shell member to form a casket base, a first sealing gasket between said lower edge surface and said first shell rim surface, hinges connected to said upper edge surface along one side of said band member and to the second said shell member to form a casket lid, a second sealing gasket between said upper edge surface and said second shell rim surface, and a draw down device mounted on said band member and engageable with said second shell member for releasably attaching said upper edge surface along the opposite side of said band member to said second shell member for forcing said second shell member toward said band member to compress said second sealing gasket.

5. The burial casket of claim 4, said hinges including sealing means for preventing the passage of air through said upper edge surface and said second shell rim surface.

6. The burial casket of claim 4 further comprising a selectively openable air vent mounted in said band member.

7. The burial casket of claim 4 further comprising a memorial capsule mounted in said band member.

8. An article of manufacture comprising:

a burial casket base including a rigid, metal band member, a first hollow shell member, and fastening means connecting the rim of said first shell member to a first edge of said band member;

a burial casket lid including a second hollow shell member similar to said first shell member and being constructed and arranged to nest with said first shell member;

hinge means connected between the rim of said second shell member and the second edge of said band member for pivoting said burial casket lid on said burial casket base;

latch means supported on said band member and engageable with said second shell member for releasably holding said casket lid closed against said casket base;

said rims of said shell members and said band member being generally rectangular and co-extensive of each other; and

a plurality of handles supported on said band mamber and disposed on opposing sides of said casket base.

9. The article of claim 8, said band member having a substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.

10. The article of claim 9, said band member cross section having a substantial vertical dimension less than half the vertical dimension of the casket and having a horizontal dimension substantially smaller than the vertical dimension of the band member cross section.

11. The article of claim 10, the upper and lower edges of the band member comprising flat, parallel uniplanar edge surfaces, and said upper and lower shell members having similar flat, uniplanar rim surfaces complementary in shape to said upper and lower edges.

12. The article of claim 11, said fastening means comprising fasteners extending through the lower edge of the band member into the rim surface of said lower shell member.

13. The article of claim 8, said casket lid being one piece and said casket comprising a full couch casket.

14. The article of claim 8, said casket lid including a head portion and a foot portion and said casket comprising a half couch casket. 

1. A burial casket having a generally rectangular horizontal periphery, said casket comprising a centrally open band member in the shape of the horizontal periphery of the casket, a concavoconvex lower shell member discrete from said band member, means for fastening said lower shell member to the lower edge of said band member, a concavo-convex upper shell member discrete from said band member, and hinge means connecting said upper shell member to the upper edge of said band member, said upper and lower shell members being sugstantially identical in shape, said band member having a substantially uniform cross section throughout its length, said band member cross section having a substantial vertical dimension less than half the vertical dimension of the casket and having a horizontal dimension substantially smaller than the vertical dimension of the band member cross section, and the upper and lower edges of the band member comprising flat, parallel uniplanar edge surfaces, and said upper and lower shell members having similar flat, uniplanar rim surfaces complementary in shape to said upper and lower edges.
 2. The burial casket of claim 1, said means for fastening comprising fasteners extending through the lower edge of the band member into the rim surface of said lower shell member.
 3. The burial casket of claim 1, said hinge means comprising hinges located along one longer side of the rectangular band member between the rim surface of the upper shell member and the upper edge surface of the band member.
 4. A butial casket comprising in combination a pair of concavo-convex shell members having generally rectangular flat planar rim surfaces, a generally rectangular band member of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length having flat, planar upper and lower edge surfaces similar in shape to said rim surfaces, fasteners interconnecting said lower edge surface to said rim surface of a first said shell member to form a casket base, a first sealing gasket between said lower edge surface and said first shell rim surface, hinges connected to said upper edge surface along one side of said band member and to the second said shell member to form a casket lid, a second sealing gasket between said upper edge surface and said second shell rim surface, and a draw down device mounted on said band member and engageable with said second shell member for releasably attaching said upper edge surface along the opposite side of said band member to said second shell member for forcing said second shell member toward said band member to compress said second sealing gasket.
 5. The burial casket of claim 4, said hinges including sealing means for preventing the passage of air through said upper edge surface and said second shell rim surface.
 6. The burial casket of claim 4 further comprising a selectively openable air vent mounted in said band member.
 7. The burial casket of claim 4 further comprising a memorial capsule mounted in said band member.
 8. An article of manufacture comprising: a burial casket base including a rigid, metal band member, a first hollow shell member, and fastening means connecting the rim of said first shell member to a first edge of said band member; a burial casket lid including a second hollow shell member similar to said first shell member and being constructed and arranged to nest with said first shell member; hinge means connected between the rim of said second shell member and the second edge of said band member for pivoting said burial casket lid on said burial casket base; latch means supported on said band member and engageable with said second shell member for releasably holding said casket lid closed against said casket basE; said rims of said shell members and said band member being generally rectangular and co-extensive of each other; and a plurality of handles supported on said band mamber and disposed on opposing sides of said casket base.
 9. The article of claim 8, said band member having a substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
 10. The article of claim 9, said band member cross section having a substantial vertical dimension less than half the vertical dimension of the casket and having a horizontal dimension substantially smaller than the vertical dimension of the band member cross section.
 11. The article of claim 10, the upper and lower edges of the band member comprising flat, parallel uniplanar edge surfaces, and said upper and lower shell members having similar flat, uniplanar rim surfaces complementary in shape to said upper and lower edges.
 12. The article of claim 11, said fastening means comprising fasteners extending through the lower edge of the band member into the rim surface of said lower shell member.
 13. The article of claim 8, said casket lid being one piece and said casket comprising a full couch casket.
 14. The article of claim 8, said casket lid including a head portion and a foot portion and said casket comprising a half couch casket. 